By Billy Condon
The hottest ticket in town this summer is not to see the American Idols concert tour or even the Jonas Brothers, but rather one of the remaining qualifying spots to play in the 2009 U.S. Open…and StubHub won’t be able to help. The only chance to punch a ticket to the Black is to earn a spot at one of 13 sectional qualifiers being held nationwide on June 8. Vying for these spots are a cast of characters that ranges from teenagers, college All-Americans, club professionals, pros with multiple Tour victories, and guys who work 9-5 jobs but pack a summer schedule of golf. The exciting thing is that all of these people have an equal chance to qualify…whether your name is Brad Faxon, an eight-time PGA Tour winner or Mike Stamberger, a finance broker in New York City.
Here is a quick breakdown on some of the Met Area amateurs looking to qualify:
• Morgan Hoffmann – Too many accolades to list after a tremendous freshman debut at Oklahoma State (see post below). Qualifying in Columbus, Ohio.
• Michael Quagliano – Qualified for Torrey Pines last year from the Memphis, Tenn. qualifier. Looks to again qualify in the Volunteer State – why mess with a good thing?
• Cameron Wilson – At 16 is the second-youngest competitor to make it to Sectionals and who just finished his junior year of high school. A strong lefty that backs down to no one and thrives in competition.
• Max Buckley – Recently finished his freshman year at SMU. A past Carter Cup champion that did a post-grad year at the Hank Haney International Golf Academy.
• Mike Stamberger – A past Met Amateur champion that advanced to the quarters of the 2008 U.S. Mid-Am.
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